Cloud POS has quickly become the go‑to choice for UK businesses that want flexibility, remote access, and a smoother way to run day‑to‑day operations. Instead of relying on bulky, fixed tills, modern cloud systems let you manage sales, inventory and customers from almost anywhere with an internet connection. In 2026, that makes a cloud POS one of the most important tools for restaurants, retailers and small businesses.
This guide breaks down 7 of the best cloud POS systems in the UK, highlighting who they are best for and why they stand out.
Why Cloud POS Matters in 2026
Cloud POS systems store data securely online rather than on a single local device. That means your sales, stock and customer information are always up to date, no matter where you log in from.
Key benefits include:
- Real‑time analytics and reporting so you always know what is selling, when and where.
- Multi‑location management with central control over menus, products and pricing across sites.
- Unified online and in‑store sales, helping you keep ecommerce and physical stock in sync.
- Mobile POS support using tablets and smartphones as terminals instead of fixed legacy hardware.
Automatic updates, reduced hardware reliance and easier scaling make cloud POS a natural fit for UK businesses that want to stay agile.
How These Cloud POS Systems Were Chosen
To keep this list practical, each platform was assessed on:
- True cloud access and real‑time reporting
- How well in‑store and online sales integrate
- Inventory and customer management tools
- Scalability and quality of support
- UK‑friendly features like VAT support and multi‑location options
- Overall value for money, not just headline price
Below are 7 strong options for different types and sizes of UK businesses.
1. Shopify POS — Best All‑Round Cloud POS for Retail and Omnichannel
Shopify POS is built for retailers that sell online as well as in‑store, giving you a single system for products, stock, customers and orders.
Why it’s great
- Unified inventory for your website and physical shops.
- Runs on tablets, smartphones and dedicated Shopify hardware.
- Connects to a large app ecosystem for marketing, loyalty and more.
- Strong reporting and analytics to understand product and channel performance.
Best for
Retail stores, omnichannel brands, pop‑up shops and growing small businesses that want online and in‑store to work together seamlessly.
Why it stands out
Shopify’s cloud platform keeps inventory, orders and customer data in sync across channels, so you are less likely to oversell or lose track of stock between your website and your till.
2. POSApt — Best Cloud POS for UK Restaurants and Hospitality
POSApt is tailored specifically for hospitality, combining the benefits of cloud access with features that match how restaurants, cafés and bars actually work.
Why it’s great
- Access your system from any connected device, on‑site or remotely.
- Table and floor plan management that mirrors your real layout.
- Built‑in QR ordering and online ordering for modern customer journeys.
- Inventory tracking and reporting designed around food and drink operations.
Best for
Cafés, small restaurants, bars and multi‑venue hospitality businesses that want cloud convenience plus service‑driven tools.
Why it stands out
POSApt blends cloud‑based flexibility with restaurant‑specific workflows, helping front‑of‑house and kitchen staff stay in sync while still giving owners remote visibility over performance and stock.
3. Square POS — Best Cloud POS for Small UK Businesses and Startups
Square POS is popular with small UK businesses because it is simple to use, quick to set up and built around a cloud and mobile‑first approach.
Why it’s great
- Fully cloud‑based with mobile‑friendly apps.
- Free core POS plan, with paid hardware and extra tools as needed.
- Built‑in payment processing, so you can start taking card payments fast.
- Basic inventory and customer management suitable for many small operators.
Best for
Micro‑businesses, small cafés, pop‑ups and startups that want to keep costs low and set up quickly.
Why it stands out
Square keeps the barrier to entry low while still giving you a clear upgrade path as you grow, thanks to its modular add‑ons and ecosystem.
4. Lightspeed POS — Best for Scalable Retail and Multi‑Location
Lightspeed’s cloud POS is aimed at retailers with more complex needs, especially those managing multiple outlets and larger catalogues.
Why it’s great
- Powerful inventory tools that handle variants, bundles and complex catalogues.
- Runs on iPads and other devices with cloud syncing across locations.
- Strong reporting and analytics for detailed insights.
- Built for multi‑location management and multi‑channel selling.
Best for
Retail businesses that are growing in size or store count and want a system that will not hold them back.
Why it stands out
Lightspeed’s cloud platform supports deeper inventory structures and multi‑site workflows, making it a good fit for retailers that have moved beyond basic POS needs.
5. Clover POS — Cloud POS for Everyday Retail
Clover is a cloud‑based system designed to give retailers an all‑in‑one toolkit for real‑time sales tracking, stock management, CRM and integrations.
Why it’s great
- Real‑time syncing across devices and locations.
- Inventory and customer management built into the platform.
- Integrations with bookkeeping and business apps.
- Detailed analytics to monitor performance.
Best for
Small to medium retail stores that want a simple but capable cloud POS.
Why it stands out
Clover helps retailers bring back‑office tasks, sales and reporting into a single, cloud‑accessible environment, often reducing time spent on manual admin.
6. Epos Now — UK‑Focused Cloud POS for Hospitality and Retail
Epos Now is widely used in the UK and supports both hospitality and retail environments with a cloud‑based backend.
Why it’s great
- Cloud POS with an offline fallback for network issues.
- Inventory, staff and sales management in one system.
- Integrates with accounting, CRM and ecommerce tools.
- Multi‑location support suitable for SMEs.
Best for
UK cafés, pubs, restaurants and retail businesses that want a UK‑oriented solution.
Why it stands out
Epos Now’s cloud software is built with UK businesses in mind, offering familiar features and integrations backed by local‑style support and tax considerations.
7. YumaPOS — Value‑Focused Cloud POS with Full Features
YumaPOS offers a competitively priced cloud platform that still packs in features many small and medium businesses need.
Why it’s great
- Affordable subscription with an all‑in‑one package feel.
- Access from any device with an internet connection.
- Online ordering and loyalty programmes included.
- Straightforward interface that is easy for staff to learn.
Best for
Small and medium stores that want modern cloud tools without a premium price tag.
Why it stands out
YumaPOS keeps its pricing structure simple while still offering online ordering, loyalty and core POS in one place, which can be appealing for cost‑conscious owners.
Cloud POS Comparison (UK 2026)
| POS system | Best for | Cloud access | Online ordering | Inventory tools | Multi‑location |
| Shopify POS | Retail and omnichannel brands | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| POSApt | Restaurants and hospitality | ✔ | ✔ (incl. QR) | ✔ | ✔ |
| Square POS | Small businesses and startups | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (basic) |
| Lightspeed | Retail and multi‑site operations | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ (advanced) | ✔ |
| Clover POS | Everyday retail | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Epos Now | UK retail and hospitality | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| YumaPOS | Value SMB cloud POS | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
How to Choose the Best Cloud POS for Your Business
Retail stores
- Shopify POS, Lightspeed and Clover stand out for strong inventory control and omnichannel support, especially if you already sell or plan to sell online.
Restaurants and hospitality
- POSApt and Epos Now shine where table management, QR ordering and smooth kitchen workflows are critical.
Small or startup businesses
- Square POS and YumaPOS offer low barriers to entry while still covering essential POS features, making them ideal for lean operations.
Final Thoughts: Cloud POS Is the New Standard
Cloud POS systems are rapidly becoming the default for UK businesses because they combine flexibility, remote access, real‑time insight and better integration between channels. Whether you run a small café, a growing retail brand or a multi‑site hospitality operation, there is a cloud POS on this list that can match your needs in 2026.
Platforms such as Shopify POS, POSApt and Square POS help streamline operations, reduce manual errors and improve the customer experience, all while keeping costs more manageable than traditional on‑premise systems.
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Mustafa Mehdi is a versatile content writer who covers a wide range of topics spanning lifestyle, general knowledge, trending news, and practical guides. With a passion for clear, informative writing, Mustafa delivers well-researched articles that resonate with everyday readers. His goal is to simplify complex ideas and offer content that is both engaging and useful.